Developing a competency assessment framework for pharmacists in primary health care settings in India

Abstract

Abstract Background Pharmacists play a significant role in primary health Care. The competence assessment of pharmacists is a critical driver for enhancing primary healthcare performance. While several countries have developed competency frameworks for pharmacists in primary care, such frameworks are lacking in the Indian context. Methods This study aimed to develop a competency assessment framework for in-service pharmacists in Indian public primary healthcare settings. A five-stage consultative process was followed. In the first stage, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify pharmacist competencies in the primary healthcare setting. Expert consultations were then organized to build consensus on competencies and behaviours. Competency assessment tools were developed based on the literature and experts' agreements. Another round of expert consultation was conducted to achieve consensus on the competency assessment tools. Finally, the tools were tested in a public primary healthcare facility. Results The systematic literature review identified 20 competencies and 175 associated behaviors distributed across four domains: Pharmaceutical Health, Pharmaceutical Care, Organization and Management, and Professional/Personal. Expert consultations resulted in the consensus on 11 roles of pharmacists in primary healthcare settings. Competencies and associated behaviors were discussed and agreed upon for each role. Conclusions This study successfully developed a competency assessment framework for in-service pharmacists in Indian public primary healthcare settings. The framework encompasses 20 competencies and associated behaviors, covering various domains and roles of pharmacists. It provides a comprehensive tool for assessing pharmacist competencies and identifying competency gaps. The framework can be used to capacitate pharmacists, improve the performance of pharmacists in primary healthcare settings, and enhance the delivery of healthcare services in India. It fills a critical gap in the existing literature and can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals involved in pharmacy practice in primary care settings.